Grass & Forage Seed Brochure 2021 by Tirlán FarmLife

Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

2021 CONTENTS

Welcome to the Glanbia IRELAND Mastercrop Grass and forage Seed Brochure 2021

Introduction

4 5

Reseeding - An Overview On Farm Reseeding Trial

6 7 8

Nitrates Derogation Overview Cultivation Methods Improving Grassland Utilisation

Our grass-based production systems rely heavily on soil quality to deliver profitable and sustainable production. Continued focus on the health of our soils is yielding strong results, with the overall trend for soil fertility increasing.

10 11

Soil Fertility Management Continually Improving Soil Nutrition in Co. Waterford

12 14 16

Sustainability & Biodiversity Weed Control Premium Mixtures

Our moderate moist climate results in a grass-based production system that is the most cost-effective way of producing milk and meat, utilisation grass is key and on the back of Teagasc’s 10T target they have introduced grazing utilisation figures this year (page 26).

20 24 26 28

Quality Mixtures Horse Pasture Recommended Lists 2021 Pasture Profit Index 2021

30 32 34 36 37 38 39

Wild Bird Cover Cover Crops Forage Crops Forage - Swedes / Kale Forage - Fodder Rape / Stubble Turnips Silage Quality Glanbia Agribusiness Branches

The Mastercrop name is synonymous with quality, choice and value for money and the 2021 range of grass seeds certainly delivers on all these criteria and all backed by extensive retail and highly professional agronomic advisory service.

GREAT GRASS Soil nutrition & Grassland Yields Optimising grassland on farm is one of the most economical means to produce milk and beef. In order to achieve quality grass, it is important to put a full programme in place of quality fertiliser, grass seed and post emergence sprays. Talk to your local Glanbia Ireland representative to learn more about our Great Grass programme.

Phil Meaney, Grass Seed Technical Advisor, Glanbia Ireland

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Reseeding - An Overview

On farm reseeding trial

Reseeding should be given strong consideration when any of the following features become evident in a sward:

On farm reseeding trial offered interesting results for Meath dairy farmer

• • •

Oliver Clarke used three different reseeding methods at the same time in an effort to find out what works best for his land type.

• • • •

High content of weed grasses (e.g. scutch, bent grass). Low ryegrass content. High content of broad-leaved weeds e.g. chickweed, docks, thistles and buttercups. Reduced milk yield or liveweight gain. Poor re-growth following grazing or cutting. Bare patches throughout sward. Reduced silage DMD values.

In general, swards cut twice annually for silage should be reseeded every 5 - 8 years. For grazed swards, the arguments for reseeding lie in the areas of an extended grazing season, improved re-growth and the continued improvement in yield and quality achieved by the breeding of new ryegrass varieties.

Advantages of reseeding • • • • •

Increased sward productivity.

•

Improved grass qualities.

8% higher milk output/ha relative to permanent pasture. Use of newer grass varieties. Reduced silage requirement. Swards which respond better to applied nitrogen, higher carrying capacity.

RESEEDING CHECKLIST Identify paddocks for reseeding. (poorer performing paddocks; low perennial ryegrass content) Soil test and lime. Sowing date. Method of reseeding. Spray off paddock. When cultivating - prepare a good seed bed. Choose appropriate grass cultivars. Sowing rate. Roll. Slug and other pests. Control weed early.

Grass seed Each paddock received the same grass seed mix – Master Crop Premium Grazing. The Premium Grazing Sward Grass seed is suitable for intensive, continuous grazing systems which fits in perfectly with Oliver’s grass based dairy system. The leading grass varieties on the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) are to the fore in the Premium Grazing Mix. The varieties Abergain and Drumbo ensure maximum spring growth. Aberchoice and Astonenergy for their high D values. These are Tetraploid and Diploid varieties. There is also a combination of leading small and medium-leafed clovers from the recommended list. The combination of ryegrass varieties and clovers ensures a highly palatable mixture.

Oliver Clarke carried out a trial on his farm comparing reseeding strategies. Oliver is milking 80 Norwegian Red and Friesian crossbred cows on his farm in Fordstown, Navan, Co Meath.

Underperformance He had three paddocks pinpointed for reseeding last year because they were populated with underperforming old pasture grass varieties. These old swards were not growing enough grass especially in the shoulders of the year which was limiting the time cows were spending outside grazing. Keen to reduce his dependence on bought in expensive concentrates, Oliver is upping his reseeding policy. With grazed grass the cheapest form of fodder for livestock this is a sensible strategy to have. He plans on doing some reseeding every year to increase the percentage of ryegrass in his pastures.

Outcome Oliver said all three methods of reseeding worked and they have turned out very well. “If you looked at the paddocks today you would find it difficult to find any differences between them,” he explained. However there were differences in the cost involved and the time taken carrying out the reseeding jobs depending on the method used.

Reseeding Last May Oliver set about reseeding the three underperforming paddocks. Each paddock was reseeded using a different strategy in an effort to compare techniques for this particular farm. The three techniques included:

Out of the three options he felt the stitching in method worked best for his farm. “The seed seemed to grow quickest here because the ground wasn’t disturbed and the moisture was still intact,” Oliver explained. Tractor work was kept to a minimum resulting in less fuel consumption and cost. He would advise other farmers to spray off the land before stitching in to ensure the new grass is given every opportunity to outperform the old sward. Ollie has seen the benefits of sward productivity since reseeding and intends to carry out some reseeding on a yearly basis going forwarding, targeting 5-7% of the farm annually.

1. Plough: The traditional plough, power harrow,

land leveller and sow were used in one paddock. Followed by rolling, fertiliser application (three bags of 10:10:20/acre), lime application (2t/acre) and post emergence spray.

2. Minimum tillage: Paddock was sprayed off

with Glyphosate and two runs of a power harrow were used, with the paddock seeded simultaneously on the second run of the power harrow. Followed by rolling, fertiliser application (three bags of 10:10:20/acre), lime application (2t/acre) and post emergence spray.

According to Teagasc the main benefits of reseeding grassland results in improvements in the quantity and quality of grass grown. They say new reseeds should grow in the region of 20 - 40% more grass and a lot of this extra growth will occur in the spring and autumn.

3. Stitching in: One half of a paddock was sprayed off

with Glyphosate and the other half was not. Over a week later the paddock was grazed tight to remove any remaining vegetation. Patrick Farrelly from Agrimann BM LTD stitched in grass seed using an Erth Engineering Agriseeder. Followed by fertiliser application (three bags of 10:10:20/acre), lime application (2t/acre) and post emergence spray.

Graze at 2 leaf stage. Avoid poaching and over grazing.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

NITRATES DEROGATION OVERVIEW

CULTIVATION METHODS

Ireland’s nitrates derogation provides farmers an opportunity to farm at higher stocking rates, above 170 kg livestock manure nitrogen / Ha, subject to additional conditions designed to protect the environment. The derogation is an important facility and almost 7,000 intensively stocked farmers availed of it in 2018. In effect, a farmer must not exceed 2 dairy cows per Ha without a derogation but can farm at almost 3 cows per Ha if approved for a derogation.

Whatever method of seedbed preparation is used, the ultimate aim must be to produce a fine firm seedbed.

New grass reseeding completed by derogation farmers must include clover. From 2021 a minimum of 1.5 kg/ha naked clover seed OR 2.5 kg/ha of pelleted clover seed is required for all new grass reseeds. Either white (grazing) or red (cutting), mixture of clovers can be used. Over sowing of grass seed mixtures with clover post weed control will be permitted provided it’s done in the year of reseeding.

This will ensure: • • •

Good contact between soil and seed. Moisture is conserved in the soil. A level field will result.

Ploughing •

Avoid ploughing too deep (>15 cm) as this can bury the top layer of soil (the most fertile soil).

• • •

Use land leveller until an even seedbed is generated. Aim to develop a fine, firm and level seedbed. If seedbed is cloddy and loose, grass seed (and especially clover seed) will be too deep and will not germinate.

Discing & One-pass •

Aim for 3 to 4 passes of the disc harrow in angled directions to break the sod and turn up enough soil to for a seedbed.

•

Forward speed must not be excessive as it can lead to rough, uneven seedbeds.

One-pass

Save money, enhance the environment! Ireland has a natural resource of almost four million hectares of grassland which combined with our mild, moist and changeable climate allow us to grow abundant grass, and produce milk naturally and at low cost.

• •

The slower the forward speed of the machine the better in terms of finish. Often left rough and patchy due to operators moving too fast across fields.

We are currently not optimising grass production and utilisation. Teagasc research indicates that the current levels of grass growth can be increased significantly. Our Great Grass programme is here to help you improve soil nutrition and grassland yields.

The table below shows how soil pH effects the availability of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) Studies have shown lime applications can give a 7:1 return on investment

pH 4.5

pH 5.0

pH 5.5

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

Nitrogen (N)

30%

43%

77%

89%

100%

Phosphorus (P)

23%

31%

48%

52%

100%

Potassium (K)

33%

52%

77%

100%

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES DO’S

DO NOT’S

Ploughing

Shallow plough. Develop a fine, firm and level seedbed

Plough too deep (>15 cm). Cloddy, loose seedbed

Discing

Graze tight, apply lime.

Forward speed too fast - rough, uneven seedbed

3-4 runs angled directions

One-pass

Direct drill

Graze tight, apply lime. Slow forward speed at cultivation

Forward speed too fast - rough, uneven seedbed

Graze tight, apply lime and slug pellets. Wait for moist ground conditions (slight cut in ground)

‘Trashy’ seedbed - no seed/soil contact. Use when ground is dry and hard

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

IMPROVING GRASSLAND UTILISATION Grass utilised (measured in tonnes DM/ha) can be increased on farms by either increasing the amount of grass grown and/or improving the utilisation rate. How much grass is grown is influenced by soil fertility, sward composition (ryegrass/clover content of swards) and grassland management decisions (including measurement).

SOIL FERTILITY

GRASS GROWN 10 Grazings x 1,300kg DM/ha = 13t DM Grown

RYEGRASS/CLOVER CONTENT MANAGEMENT

10T DM GRASS UTILISED

The utilisation rate is influenced by grazing infrastructure, grazing management and grassland measurement. Grass10 which is a four year campaign from Teagasc to promote sustainable grassland excellence will focus on each of these areas.

GRAZING INFRASTRUCTURE UTILISATION RATE

GRAZING MANAGEMENT

75%

GRASSLAND MEASUREMENT

The objective of Grass10 is to increase the number of grazings per paddock to 10 and the amount of grass utilised to 10 tonnes grass dry matter per hectare. Source: Teagasc Grass 10T - Achieving 10t DM/ha grass utilised per year

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Soil Nutrition Management Guidelines • • •

Soil Test for P, K, pH before reseeding. Aim to have soil test P & K in Index 3 for reseeding. Start by using organic fertiliser as effective as possible, then top up with chemical fertiliser as required.

Table below shows P&K requirement when reseeding at different index levels P& K rates requires for pasture establishment.

SOIL P INDEX

RANGE

RANGE kg/ha

0–3.0

3.1–5.0

6.1–10.0

Above 10.0

SOIL K INDEX

RANGE

RATE

0–50

110

51–100

101–150

Above 150

Conversation Nutrient Application Rate 1 kg/ha = 0.8 units/acre

Organic Fertiliser 11 t/ha = 1000 gallon/acre VALUE OF SLURRY: P & K ORGANIC (kg/T) P

Pig

0.8

2.2

Soil Water

0.1

0.6

Cattle

0.6

4.3

Soil nutrition Programme

The Glanbia Ireland Soil Nutrition Programme will create a practical nutrient management plan that will benefit your farm. Using a tailored nutrient product solution, this plan can support better on-farm decision making from correcting lime deficiency to maximising slurry usage. In addition, any product recommendation provided will focus on best environmental practice.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Continually improving soil nutrition in Co. Waterford Niall Moore operates a dairy and beef enterprise in Annestown Co. Waterford, “We're mainly dairy, but we do keep some beef cattle. We fatten 20 bulls each year. I’m farming 183 acres; 145 of which is owned, with the balance rented. We’re milking 140 British Friesian, crossed with Holstein Friesian dairy cows. We calve 75% of the cows in the spring and 25% in the autumn as we have a liquid milk contract. We are milking using two Lely robots since the start of 2018.” Niall is farming with his wife Susie and children; Charlie, Fred, Edward, and Juliette. When it comes to grass growth on the farm, Niall has been focusing on trying to continually increase the amount of grass that his farm can produce. Niall explained, “We're growing close to 14 tonnes+ of dry matter per hectare. That's been our main focus of improvement over the last five years.” Soil Health and Management: Niall completed Glanbia Ireland’s Soil Nutrient programme last year and found it a massive benefit in terms of making sure that his soils contained the right level of nutrients to support growth. Niall admits, “Last year we completed Glanbia’s Soil Nutrition Programme and found it to be very useful. Our soil fertility levels are now where they should be. We have been addressing any deficiencies that we’ve had on the farm.” In addition to grass growth, Niall is focusing on a number of additional areas to make this possible. Niall states, “I regularly measure grass with the clipboard and ruler to accurately forecast how many days grazing ahead that I have. I also implement a reseeding plan each year to make sure we have the best varieties that will allow us to grow more grass. The grass measuring really helps in identifying areas in need of reseeding.” Technical Support: Bryan Harte is Niall’s Glanbia Ireland Business Manager. Niall is quick to highlight the very strong working relationship that they have developed over the past number of years. Niall explained, “The support from Bryan has been excellent. He is very knowledgeable on all areas of agriculture and always has time for me. I’ve worked very closely with Brian in deciding on a fertiliser programme for the farm and find his guidance and support very helpful.” Slurry Application & Lime Use: Niall is aware of the environmental challenges that farmers are faced with and has been very proactive in carrying out mitigation practises on his farm. Niall explains, “We're very mindful going forward of the challenges with sustainability and what we'll be allowed to do. As part of derogation, for slurry spreading we use a trailing shoe for the past 18 months. We make sure the land is limed sufficiently so that we’re getting the most from our fertiliser use. We’ve made use of any schemes

that have been available. We’ve recently built a new cubicle shed that has lots of slurry storage capacity. We can carry slurry for at least 16 weeks, meaning we don’t have to rush out to spread slurry as soon as the restrictions are lifted. We can spread it when we will get the most from it. It’s a valuable resource.” Niall carries out soil testing on the farm every 2 years. Niall explains, “It’s important to soil test regularly to see where the soil is performing well and what nutrients that it may be lacking. This will vary across the farm. The home block gets most of the slurry and is on a very different plan to the other block which is four miles away. The soil status on the home block is index 3 and 4, so it’s all about maintenance. On the other block, we are trying to get more P and K into it which has been identified by the soil analysis results and we are doing this through implementing a targeted fertiliser plan.” Niall believes that he has developed a much greater awareness on the importance of soil health since completing Glanbia’s Soil Nutrient programme. Niall admits, “I’ve definitely become a lot more aware of the importance of good soil management.” In terms of future challenges surrounding nitrates and fertiliser usage, Niall believes that the sector does face significant challenges but that there are many possible solutions that will help to ease this. Niall states, “I'm sure it's going to be a major challenge. There could well be a quota on the amount of nitrates produced on individual farms. We’ve always been mindful of the environment, even before it was a hot topic. We're very into nature here, it's just something we were brought up to be mindful of.” In terms of future plans, Niall is happy with how the farm is performing and the numbers that he is milking currently, but will continue to find ways of maximising efficiencies so that he can pursue opportunities outside the farm gate. Niall explains, “At the moment we are maxed out on cow numbers unless more land becomes available I have a young family and want to be able to spend time with them and bring them to play hurling, football and rugby!”

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen and makes it available for grass growth. Research has shown that clover can contribute up to 120 units of N per acre through nitrogen fixation2, resulting in significant savings for farmers. White clover can also increase both animal and herbage production when compared to grass only swards. Recent research conducted by Teagasc has shown that a sward with a white clover content of 20% or more will have a positive effect on animal performance, and can increase the profitability of pasture-based dairy systems by 10%3. Grass-based farm systems are also very well positioned to support a diverse range of wildlife within the farm landscape. Grass-clover mixtures can be beneficial for pollinating insects and invertebrates which have seen a decline in recent years. One third of the bee species in Ireland are currently threatened with extinction so its vital farm practices are implemented to support farmland biodiversity. Reducing dependency on artificial fertilisers through the incorporation of clover will benefit these all important pollinators. When carrying out reseeding consider leaving a field margin of 2m between the field boundary and the crop, this will provide a habitat for wildflowers, insects, birds and small mammals. Wildflower mixtures could also be incorporated into such areas which will further enhance farm biodiversity. Multi species swards should also be considered as part of your reseeding plan. The more species that are present in the sward, the greater benefit it will have to insect populations as well as bird and mammal species. Multi-sward species will also maintain a steady growth pattern whilst not requiring the same level of fertiliser applications. Deeper rooting species present in the sward will also be more resilient in drought conditions and they can also access nutrients further into the soil profile.

The incorporation of clover in any reseeding programme is important to improve the environmental credentials of your farm by reducing costs (lower N inputs), reducing nitrous oxide emissions as well as having the added benefit of contributing to water quality improvements. The inclusion of clover in all grass seed mixtures in now a requirement for all farmers in derogation but rather that looking at it as mandatory the focus should be on the additional production and environmental benefits of incorporating clover.

SITY

OPER

Grassland management practices are vital to ensure both an economical and environmentally sustainable future. Good productive pastures are vital to ensure that any applied nutrients are fully utilised by the crop. On average, newly reseeded pastures are up to 25% more responsive to available nutrients such as Nitrogen1.

Our grasslands, trees and hedgerows are important parts of our rich landscape. Glanbia Ireland has launched Operation Biodiversity to help TIO enrich this landscape. Working N BIO DIV together with our Farming Community we are aiming to plant thousands of trees and hedging plants. This will support our natural ecosystem by providing vital food for pollinators and berries for birds and mammals. These hedging and trees also provide important shade and shelter for our livestock. ER

Sustainability & Biodiversity

As part of Operation Biodiversity Glanbia Ireland have a range of native trees available to suit all soil types. They are also great value. When you buy 15 you get 10 free. Or perhaps you are interested in native hedgerows. When you buy two bundles you get the third free. Now is the time to be the change champion on your farm and get involved in Operation Biodiversity, by planting some native trees and hedging.

Bryan Daniels, Sustainable Farming Grassland Farmer of the Year from Co. Kilkenny is encouraging all suppliers to get involved. “We are always striving to do our very best to make our imprint on our farm and leave it in even better condition for the next generation. It’s important that every farmer embraces planting trees and hedgerows and Operation Biodiversity is a good way to get involved or to build on your foundations.”

Glanbia Ireland, through alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals works to deliver the social, economic and environmental requirements for a sustainable future.

1. https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/reseeding/ 2. https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/dairy/MPK-Dairy-Levy-Update-Series-3.pdf 3. https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/sustainable-dairy-the-role-of-white-clover.php

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Weed Control Herbicides for control of weeds in grassland MAIN TARGET WEED

PRODUCT

PCS NO.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT

RATE

COMMENT

DOCKS

Governor (Doxstar)

06355

150 g/l Triclopyr, 150 g/l Fluroxypyr

2.0 l/ha

One application or split application with half rate in Spring and half rate in Autumn. Will kill clover. Must leave a minimum of 7 days between spraying and cutting but best results are achieved if the interval is > 3 weeks. Same as Doxstar Pro.

Esteem (Pastor Trio)

06356

100 g/l Fluoxypyr, 2.5 g/l Florasulam, 80 g/l Clopyralid

2.0 l/ha

Will kill Clover. Excellent on docks, thistles, chickweed, mayweed and buttercrops. Will offer some control on nettles. Can be used on newly sown leys at a rate of 1.0 l/ha, will kill clover however. Same as Pastor Trio.

Eagle

04315

75 g/kg Amidosulfuron

40-60 g/ha

Clover safe. Controls both broadleaf and curled docks.

Barclay Hurler

02905

200 g/l Fluroxypyr

2.0 l/ha

Medium term dock control, excellent on chickweed. Can be used on new leys at 0.75l/ha. Will kill clover.

Forefront T

03800

30 g/l Aminopyralid, 240 g/l Triclopyr

2.0 l/ha

Excellent long-term control of docks, nettles, thistles, buttercup, dandelion and ragwort. Will kill clover. Do not graze for at least 7 days after application. Only use on silage ground once last cut is taken.

(Pasture Pack) 5 L Thrust 2 L Tandus

04520 05836

344 g/l 2,4-D, 120 g/l Dicamba 200 g/l Fluroxypyr

1 pack/2ha 2.5 l/ha Thr +1.0 l/ha Tan

For use on established grassland only. Also strong on ragwort, chickweed and dandelion etc. Can cut for silage and graze 14 days after application.

Mastercrop MCPA 50

05510

500 g/l MCPA

2.7 l/ha

Treat before flower buds appear. Maximum of 2 applications/year. Do not spray within 5m of a water source.

Thistlex

03831

200 g/l Triclopyr, 200 g/l Clopyralid

1.0 l/ha

Excellent knockdown of thistles; also effective on nettles. Will kill clover.

RAGWORT

D50 Forefront T

02366 03800

500 g/l 2,4 D dimethylamine salt See above

2.8 - 3.3 l/ha

Treat ragwort at rosette stage before end of April. If weeds are gone to seed, top and spray the regrowth. Avoid extremes of temperature when spraying.

RUSHES

Mastercrop MCPA

05510

500 g/l MCPA

2.7 l/ha

Best results are achieved when the rush is soft and actively growing, i.e. after topping. The addition of a surfactant such as Presto at 200mls/ha will also enhance performance.

DOCKS, THISTLES & NETTLES

Pradera

06524

233g/l MCPA 50g/l Fluroxpyr 28g/ Clopyralid

3.0 Litres/ha

One application a year from 1st March to 31st August, Can graze / Harvest 7 days after application. For high infestations of docks add Hurler @ 1.3l/ha.

Grazon Pro

05182

60 g/l Clopyralid, 240 g/l Triclopyr

60 ml in 10 l knapsack

Very useful product for spot treatment only (with knapsack). Can graze pasture 7 days after treatment provided no ragwort present. Apply any time of year that weeds are actively growing.

SEEDLING WEEDS IN NEW LEY (CLOVER-SAFE)

Mastercrop Undersown

91839

240 g/l 2,4 DB, 40 g/l MCPA

7.0 l/ha

Controls seeding docks, fat hen. Clover safe

SEEDLING WEEDS IN NEW LEY (NON CLOVER SAFE)

Envy

05806

100 g/l Fluoxypyr, 2.5 g/l Florasulam

1.5 l/ha

Can also be used on established grassland at 2.0 l/ha. Excellent on daisy, buttercrop and dandelion.

Esteem

06356

100 g/l Fluoxypyr, 2.5 g/l Florasulam, 80 g/l Clopyralid

1.0 l/ha rate for new leys

Apply between 1st Feb - 30th Sep. Good on cleavers, thistle, mayweed and charlock. Poor on fat hen. Same as Pastor Trio.

Roundup XL Mizr

05161 03835

360 g/l Glyphosate (plus wetters/surfactants depending on product)

6.0 l/ha

Translocation and overall effectiveness of product will be affected by growing condition. Grassland can be cut/grazed 5 days after application. Rainfastness varies with product - check label.

Roundup Flex Powermax

04593 04534

480 g/l Glyphosate (plus wetters/surfactants) 720 g/kg Glyphosate

4.8 l/ha 2.5/3.0 kg/ha

New formulation of glyphosate from Monsanto with improved rainfastness.

THISTLES

(2021 is the last year that this product will be available with sales no longer permitted after 31/10/2021)

GRASSLAND DESTRUCTION

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Premium Mixtures

These represent the elite products from the Mastercrop range, formulated with the intensive, top-class farmer in mind.

Benefits •

Use AberGain (T), Astonenergy (T) and Aberchoice with very high D values.

•

Combination of two leading Nitrogen tolerant clover varieties.

• •

Meiduno with its exceptional spring growth.

•

Focus on later heading varieties, in order to maximise digestibility of the sward through the summer and autumn growing period.

Only the leading varieties of grass and clover on Irish recommended list used, to promote maximum yields.

•

Clover coating to improve germination and establishment (Clover coating ratio of two-thirds: one third ‘clover to coat’ is unique to Mastercrop mixtures).

•

Judicious use of tetraploid varieties which have high yield, palatability and drought tolerance characteristics.

PREMIUM SILAGE SWARD

Suitability

Key points

Intensive, continuous grazing systems.

•

Inclusion of Drumbo and Abergain ensures maximum spring growth.

•

Aberchoice and Astonenergy with their high D values.

• •

56% Tetraploid.

•

A highly palatable mixture.

Combination of leading small and mediumleafed clovers on recommended list.

HEADING DATE

Suitability

Key Points

Intensive two-cut silage systems.

• •

Leading conservation varieties.

•

Narrow range of heading dates for optimum silage production.

1% DMD increase equates to a 5% improvement in animal performance

PREMIUM GRAZING SWARD

Clover available on request increasing options of weed control.

3 kg

Aberchoice

11th June

3.5 kg

Aston Energy

1st June

3 kg

Abergain (T)

4th June

2 kg

Drumbo

5t June

1 kg

Med leaf white clover

12.5 kgs HEADING DATE

3.5 kg

Aberclyde (T)

25th May

4.0 kg

Aberwolf

30th May

4 kgs

Moira

26th May

11.5 kgs

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Target turnaround time to get a reseed back into production should be 60 days. Generally, decisions around reseeding are negative due to the view that paddocks are out of production for too long. The time that the sward is out of production can be minimised by cultivating seven to ten days after spraying off the old grass – a major failing at farm level is to wait too long after spray off. When spraying off paddocks for stitching in – let the grass cover grow to 400-500-600kg DM/ha before spraying off.

This is due to avoiding old grass coming back into the sward. The paddock/field for reseeding should be sprayed off with a high-quality glyphosate product in order to kill off any existing vegetation present. Where ploughing, without spraying off it is common for weed grasses to regrow quickly and are then very hard to control. Where minimum cultivation is being practiced the vegetation needs to be either grazed off or topped to allow a cleaner surface with little trash as possible.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Premium Mixtures

PREMIUM one cut & graze Suitability

Key points

Grazing with one large silage cut in late May/early June.

• Judicious use of tetraploid vari which have

MASTERCROP EXTEND HEADING DATE

2.75 kg

Gracehill (T)

4th June

high yield, palatability and drought tolerance characteristics.

3.25 kg

AberGain (T)

4th June

• Also suitable for early grazing before closing

2.25 kg

Ballyvoy

3rd June

2.75 kg

Aberchoice

11th June

1.0 kgs

Buddy white clover

up for silage.

• 47 % Tetraploid. • Including Oakpark - variety from Teagasc grass

12.0 kgs

breeding programme in Oak Park, Carlow.

HEADING DATE

3 kg

Aberchoice

11th June

2 kg

Ballintoy (T)

4th June

3.5 kg

Meiduno (T)

3rd June

3 kg

Oakpark

2nd June

1 kg

Med leaf white clover

12.5 kgs

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Quality Mixtures

These are proven, tried and trusted mixtures which combine sound principles of mixture formulation with varieties which have performed consistently well in recommended list trials. They represent excellent performance at a reduced cost.

WHITE CLOVER

PERMANENT PASTURE

• Including white clover in grass swards receiving up

• Annual milk solids production can be increased by

• White clover content in sward varies across the

• Frequent tight grazing (4-4.5 cm above ground

to 250 kg N/ha can increase total annual herbage production by 1.1 t DM/ha. year; it is lowest in spring, increases to a peak in late summer, and then begins to decline during autumn.

PERMANENT PASTURE (INCL. HI CLOVER) HEADING DATE

3 kg

Abergreen

31st May

3 kg

Meiduno (T)

3rd June

2 kg

Aston Energy (T)

1st June

3 kg

AstonKing

5th June

0.5 kgs

Med leaf white clover

up to 12 kg milk solids/cow when average annual sward white clover content is 23 per cent.

level) of grass-clover swards will encourage clover persistence in grazed swards.

1. Grass / clover - 150 kg N/ha

MOOREPARK EXPERIMENT

11.5 kgs

2. Grass / clover - 250 kg N/ha 3. Grass only - 250 kg N/ha With 2.75 cows/ha

Hi Clover Sward

Hi clover sward is the same as permanent pasture plus extra 1.5 kg of clover making it a 13 kg mixture with 2 kg of clover.

Suitability Grazing with option of one silage cut in late May/early June.

Key points

• • •

Excellent total yield across grazing season. Large leafed nitrogen-tolerant clover. Outstanding flexibility to suit wide range of management systems.

Reseeding costs are returned in two years

CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE (2013-2016)

GRASS / CLOVER 150

GRASS / CLOVER 250

GRASS ONLY 250

Clover Content (%)

28.0

24.0

Pasture Production (t DM/ha)

14.4

14.7

14.5

Milk Yield (kg/cow)

6,195

6,346

5,842

Milk Solids Yield (kg/cow)

508

514

482

Extra revenue from clover:

CLONAKILTY EXPERIMENT

1. €245/cow or €675/ha 2. Significant potential to improve profitability

The use of clover in grassland to replace Nitrogen (N) can substantially lower greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from permanent production. In work carried out over 12 years at Solohead, they found similar production from grass – clover swards receiving 95 kg/ha of N applied in spring compared with swards receiving 245 kg/ha applied across the growing season. Clover has a higher temperature requirement for growth than grass and therefore N is applied in Feb, March & April to compensate for this.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Most of the N fixation by clover takes place during the summer and Autumn and there is little benefit in applying N to well managed grass clover swards from May onwards, to severely reduce N can mean that P & K can be neglected during the summer & Autumn months so important that regular application of P & K take place.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Quality Mixtures

Multi Species Sward

HILL/HEAVY GROUND MIX

HEADING DATE

3 kg

Aston Energy PRG

Grass

3 kg

OakPark PRG

Grass

1 kg

Timothy

Grass

1 kg

Meadow Fescue

Grass

1 kg

White Clover

Legume

1 kg

Red Clover

Legume

1 kg

Sainfoin

Legume

0.5 kg

Ribwort Plantain

Herb

0.5 kg

Chicory

Herb

12 kgs

COMMENTS

Key Points

High yielding, digestible and persistent under frequent tight grazing High yielding, digestible and persistent under frequent tight grazing Grows well in cold soils, especially in Spring, different root structure to PRG Thrives in lower fertility soil and fertiliser & offers variety in root structure Persistent under tight grazing, fills in gaps in swards More erect than white, deeper tap root, not persistent under tight grazing Anti-parasitic (anti-worm) properties & tannins that help reduce risk of bloat High mineral content, deep root structure, robust under grazing, diuretic, Different root structure, anti-worm properties, used as a drought feed

• Heavy ground or difficult sites. • Superb persistence and ground cover.

Sow 14 kgs / acre

TETRAPLOID MIX

• Excellent mid-Summer and Autumn grazing. • 100% late heading varieties. HEADING DATE

3 kg

Astonking

5th June

2.5 kg

Drumbo

5th June

2.5 kg

Briant (T)

3rd June

3.5 kg

OakPark

2nd June

0.5 kg

Small leaf white clover

12 kgs

Key points • High digestibility and palatability - improving animal intakes.

• Larger leaf size and a more upright growth habit making them easier to graze.

• Produces slightly higher grass yield and offers improved animal performance under grazing.

• Teagasc research has demonstrated the increased ease with which animals can graze on tetraploid swards over diploids, improving the utilisation of the sward.

• Suitable for overseeding - to repair unproductive

swards, sow at a rate of 8 kgs/acre when overseeding.

HEADING DATE

4 kg

Meiduno (T)

3rd June

4 kg

Aston Energy (T)

1st June

4 kg

Abergain (T)

4th June

1 kg

Med leaf white clover

13 kgs

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

horse pasture

How Are Economic Values Determined?

Key points:

The economic value of each trait is determined using the Moorepark Dairy Systems Model. The economic value of a unit change in each trait is outlined below.

•

Designed to produce a high quality grazing and if required, a very high quality hay cut in summer.

• • • •

Can be used to patch poached areas on the farm. Extremely persistent, dense and hard wearing. Packed in 0.5 acre bags. Herbs can be added on request.

3 kg

Oakpark PRG

3 Kg

Kerry PRG

3 kg

Astonking PRG

2.5 kg

Turfgold Dwarf PRG

3 kg

Smooth Stalked Meadowgrass

1.5 kg

Timothy

16 kgs/ Ac

Packed in half acre bags

KG ∆ DM YIELD Spring: €0.16 Summer: €0.04 Autumn: €0.11

9.1t/ha DM Yield

UNIT ∆ IN DMD/KG

KG ∆ DM SILAGE YIELD

April: -€0.001 May: -€0.008 June: -€0.010 July: -€0.009

1st Cut: €0.04 2nd Cut: €0.03

SILAGE DM YIELD

QUALITY FC Protocol Values

First and Second cut values

€56 PER YEAR

PERSISTENCY ∆ GS 12 year base

PASTURE PROFIT INDEX (€ per ha/year)

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Recommended Lists 2021

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Irish recommended list of grasses 2021

Recommended Intermediate Diploid & Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass Varieties 2021

VARIETY NAME

HEADING DATE

PASTURE PROFIT INDEX VALUES € / Ha /Y TOTAL

TEAGASC GRAZING UTILISATION TRAIT

RATING 1 - 5 STAR

PPI

VARIETY NAME

HEADING DATE

PASTURE PROFIT INDEX VALUES € / Ha /Y

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

TOTAL YIELD

MEAN DMD

1ST CUT SILAGE

2ND CUT SILAGE

GROUND COVER

(t DM/ha)

(g/kg)

(t DM/ha)

Score

TOTAL

1.07*

7.53*

2.48*

11.10*

844.8*

4.43*

4.08*

5.8*

PPI

INTERMEDIATE DIPLOIDS

TEAGASC GRAZING UTILISATION TRAIT

RATING 1 - 5 STAR

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

TOTAL YIELD

MEAN DMD

1ST CUT SILAGE

2ND CUT SILAGE

GROUND COVER

(t DM/ha)

(g/kg)

(t DM/ha)

Score

1.07*

7.53*

2.48*

11.10*

844.8*

4.43*

4.08*

5.8*

LATE DIPLOIDS

Moira

26th May

187

****

1.59

6.99

2.46

11.05

827.3

4.99

3.67

6.1

Oakpark

2nd June

132

***

1.13

7.32

2.41

10.89

833.7

4.45

4.10

6.6

Astonconqueror

27th May

195

****

1.42

7.35

2.39

11.15

837.6

5.31

3.38

6.1

Ballyvoy

3rd June

167

1.33

7.16

2.37

10.89

843.7

4.24

3.84

6.3

Abermagic

28th May

199

1.15

7.68

2.65

11.50

845.1

4.70

3.69

6.2

Callan

3rd June

123

****

1.36

7.04

2.28

10.74

832.1

4.71

3.58

6.2

Smile

4th June

0.95

6.98

2.35

10.33

834.5

4.16

3.97

6.3

Nifty

28th May

127

1.17

7.53

2.46

11.19

831.8

4.75

3.65

6.4 Drumbo

5th June

129

1.08

7.11

2.32

10.53

843.2

4.30

3.91

6.2

Aberwolf

30th May

179

***

1.27

7.32

2.37

10.95

841.7

4.88

3.85

6.8

AstonKing

5th June

115

****

1.32

7.14

2.24

10.72

832.6

4.43

3.73

5.8

AberGreen

31st May

169

1.14

7.80

2.58

11.56

840.6

4.39

3.79

6.6

Aberchoice

11th June

182

1.05

7.65

2.46

11.18

849.5

4.17

4.23

6.0

Gusto

31st May

149

****

1.19

7.25

2.49

10.96

842.0

4.36

3.54

5.7

Bowie

16th June

152

1.05

7.34

2.43

10.85

839.3

3.73

4.73

6.5

LATE TETRAPLOIDS

INTERMEDIATE TETRAPLOIDS Fintona

24th May

168

****

1.23

7.34

2.40

11.00

837.6

5.32

3.58

5.4

Aberclyde

25th May

225

****

1.26

7.65

2.35

11.25

852.1

5.14

3.66

5.6

Elysium

27th May

157

1.23

7.26

2.24

10.75

844.3

4.86

3.79

6.0

Dunluce

29th May

161

****

1.06

7.45

2.41

10.95

844.7

4.55

4.17

5.4

UTILISATION STAR RATINGS STAR RATING

GRAZING UTILISATION RANGE Moderate

AberBite

1st June

156

0.93

7.41

2.42

10.80

849.2

4.66

4.15

5.8

AstonEnergy

1st June

138

*****

0.96

7.23

2.35

10.57

854.6

4.47

3.55

5.5

Triwarwic

2nd June

122

1.06

7.34

2.21

10.64

843.0

4.73

3.91

5.8

Nashota

3rd June

200

1.22

7.36

2.32

10.91

846.8

4.84

4.22

6.1

Glenfield

3rd June

188

1.29

7.60

2.31

11.23

841.7

4.84

4.07

5.7

Meiduno

3rd June

180

***

1.21

7.42

2.37

11.03

849.3

4.54

3.87

5.2

Briant

3rd June

137

***

1.00

7.46

2.36

10.85

841.7

4.6

3.98

5.5

Aspect

3rd June

122

*****

1.01

7.28

2.22

10.53

849

4.33

4.12

6.1

Gracehill

4th June

222

1.21

7.52

2.47

11.23

841.4

5.45

4.08

5.7

Abergain

4th June

212

***

1.11

7.50

2.40

11.04

854.3

4.88

4.05

5.6

Ballintoy

4th June

159

***

1.12

7.47

2.34

10.98

845.7

4.65

3.93

5.5

Xenon

7th June

128

*****

1.01

7.24

2.27

10.57

846.6

4.1

4.34

6.2

Aberplentiful

8th June

186

1.26

7.61

2.40

11.30

843.2

4.41

4.15

5.4

Solas

10th June

129

0.99

7.24

2.46

10.72

838.8

4.38

4.29

5.8

Excellent Where varieties are represented by a hyphen (-), there is currently no grazing data available

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

*Denotes the mean of the control varieties AberMagic, Dunluce, Glenveagh and Navan

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Pasture Profit Index 2021 VARIETY DETAILS QUALITY

GROUP

Variety

Heading Date

Teagasc Grazing Utilisation Trait Rating 1 - 5 Star

INTERMEDIATE DIPLOIDS

Moira

26th May

****

INTERMEDIATE TETRAPLOIDS

LATE DIPLOIDS

LATE TETRAPLOIDS

PASTURE PROFIT INDEX

SUB - INDICES (€ PER HA PER YEAR)

Control Mean 6.1

Control Mean 840.7

DRY MATTER PRODUCTION Spring

Summer

Autumn

Quality

Silage

Persistency

€ PPI Total

Ground cover score

Mean DMD (g/kg)

-33

187

6.1

827.3

Astonconqueror

27th May

****

-7

195

6.1

837.6

Abermagic

28th May

199

6.2

845.1

Nifty

28th May

-34

127

6.4

831.8

Aberwolf

30th May

***

179

6.8

841.7

AberGreen

31st May

169

6.6

840.6

Gusto

31st May

****

-4

149

5.7

842.0

Fintona

24th May

****

-9

168

5.4

837.6

Aberclyde

25th May

****

225

5.6

852.1

Elysium

27th May

157

6.0

844.3

Dunluce

29th May

****

161

5.4

844.7

Oakpark

2nd June

***

-10

132

6.6

833.7

Ballyvoy

3rd June

-1

167

6.3

843.7

Callan

3rd June

****

-25

123

6.2

832.1

Smile

4th June

-8

-9

6.3

834.5

Drumbo

5th June

129

6.2

843.2

AstonKing

5th June

****

-19

115

5.8

832.6

Aberchoice

11th June

182

6.0

849.5

Bowie

16th June

152

6.5

839.3

AberBite

1st June

-13

156

5.8

849.2

AstonEnergy

1st June

*****

-7

138

5.5

854.6

Triwarwic

2nd June

122

5.8

843.0

Nashota

3rd June

200

6.1

846.8

Glenfield

3rd June

188

5.7

841.7

Meiduno

3rd June

***

180

5.2

849.3

Briant

3rd June

***

-1

137

5.5

841.7

Aspect

3rd June

*****

122

6.1

849.0

Gracehill

4th June

222

5.7

841.4

Abergain

4th June

***

212

5.6

854.3

Ballintoy

4th June

***

159

5.5

845.7

Xenon

7th June

*****

128

6.2

846.6

Aberplentiful

8th June

186

5.4

843.2

Solas

10th June

-2

129

5.8

838.8

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

wild bird cover - Glas option Wild bird cover is a spring sown crop that is left un-harvested over winter. The objective is to sow a seed crop mix that provides a food source and winter cover for farmland birds and other fauna.

wild bird cover

• • •

Maximum area for payment is 3ha.

• •

Crops must remain in place until 1st December.

•

Crop must remain in situ until 15th March the following year.

•

In the year which parcel is being fully replanted, livestock may enter parcel from 15th March.

•

Fertilizer can be applied at a maximum of half rate fora cereal crop.

•

If broadcasting, increase seeding rate by one-third and roll immediately post sowing.

•

There is a 1 year and a 2 year option.

Establish wild bird cover by 31st May. Use a mixture of at least 2 crops from the list of prescribed crops. Grazing of catch crops is permitted after 1st December.

Either Mustard or Linseed with a Cereal for 1 year mix use Kale and Cereal for 2 year mix CROP

SOWING RATE

Linseed

15 kg/ha

Mustard

10 kg/ha

Kale

3 kg/ha

Oats

75 kg/ha

Triticale

75 kg/ha

Barley

75 kg/ha

GLAS Grass mix 2 options that require sowing grass • Arable grass margins • Environmental management of fallow land Both mixes are similar • 60% Timothy or Cocksfoot • 40% other grass species Rate 25 kgs/ha, sold in half hectare bags.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

cover Crops Also known as cover crops or green manure, catch crops play a role in the regulatory requirements for green cover under the GLAS scheme. The following specifications are relevant to farmers sowing these crops within GLAS.

CATCH CROPS CROP

SOWING RATE KG/HA

Oats (and black oats)

75-100

Rye

65-80

•

Catch crop must be sown annually by 15th September.

Vetch

•

Use light cultivation techniques - ploughing is not permitted.

10-15

•

Use a mixture of at least 2 crops from the list of prescribed crops.

Crimson Clover / Berseem Clover Peas

• •

Crops must remain in place until 1st December.

Beans

90-120

Forage / Fodder Rape

3-5

Leafy Turnip

Tillage Radish

Mustard

6-10

Buckwheat

30-40

Phacelia

2-5

Grazing of catch crops is permitted after 1st December.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

Forage Crops

Management of forage crops grass is finished growing. Each farm

The drive to cut production costs is creating a large interest in growing fodder crops so much so that they are already starting to play a significant role alongside grass in low input, low cost livestock farming. With forward planning fodder crops can also significantly extend the growing season when

1. When do you want to use the crop? With versatile, winter hardy varieties available, fodder crops can be utilised by stock from June right through to April. If extra fodder is needed in the summer, early sown kale and grazing turnips can be ready to feed in June and are very useful for plugging a mid or late summer grazing deficit. There are plenty of options to choose from if fresh fodder is required through the winter months. Be ready to feed in June and are very useful for plugging a mid or late summer grazing deficit. There are plenty of options to choose from if fresh fodder is required through the winter months.

DM (KG/HA)

and livestock enterprise has individual requirements. However, there are always three fundamental questions to ask before deciding on the most costeffective type and variety of fodder crop for your livestock production system.

DM (%)

2. When does the land for growing fodder crops become vacant?

3. How many animals will a fodder crop feed?

Crop rotation, soil type and local conditions will dictate when fodder crops can be sown. Most farmers can now sow fodder crops from as early as February through to September. Catch crops of stubble turnips or kale can be sown early and utilised by stock mid to late summer before the land is returned to grass or arable production.

ME (MJ/KG)

Fodder crops are suitable for high yielding dairy cows, beef cattle, ewes and lambs. The number of stock your brassica crop will feed depends on the type of crop sown, the dry matter yield and the stock utilisation rate.

FODDER BEET

SWEDES

Sowing Date

Late March Early April

May - Early June

May - June

June August

June -August

Seeding Rate Per Acre

40,000 50,000 Seed

50,000 Pelleted Seeds

2.5 kg Broadcast, 2 kg Direct Drill

3-4 kg

1.5 kg Drilled 2.5-3.5 kg Broadcast

Fertilisation Per Acre

10 x 50 kg of Beet Compound

7 x 50 kg of 6.10.18 + B

4.5 x 50 k 10.10.20 + 2 50 kg CAN

4.5 x 50 kg 18.6.12

4 - 5 x 50 kg 18.16.12

Time of Utilisation

Nov - Feb

Nov - Mar

Sept - Dec

Sept - Dec Nov - Dec

Fresh Yield Per Acre Leafed White Clover

33-40 (Roots) 18 (Tops)

25-30

20-30

14-16

15-25

% DM Yield (Tonnes/Ac)

16 (Root) 11 (Tops)

14-15 (Bulb) 9-10 (Leaf)

CR Protein as % of DM

6.5-7 (Roots) 17 (To Silage) (Crop Silage)

20-24

Nett Energy UFL/kg DM

1.12 (Roots) 0.87 (Tops)

1.21

1.03

0.85

1.10 (Top and Root)

CROP

KALE

FODDER RAPE

STUBBLE TURNIPS

ANIMALS/HA FOR 100 DAYS (70% OF DIET) COWS

YOUNGSTOCK

EWE

Swedes

9-14,000

10-12

12-14

FINISHING LAMBS 65

Kale

11-12,000

12-15

10-13

107

Stubble Turnips

6,500

9-12

10-13

101

Grazing Turnips

4,000 10-14 (regrowth 2,000)

10-13

Hybrid Brassica

7-9,000

12-14

10-13

Forage Rape 4-5,000

11-13

10-13

Assumptions: Cow liveweight 500 kg (adjust upwards for dairy cows); youngstock liveweight gains 0.75 kg/day; 55 kg ewes on maintenance feeding; lamb liveweight gains 200 g/day.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

swedes

Fodder Rape ?

Very adaptable crop for both grazing and storage. Grown on their own, modern varieties can also offer the option of being lifted for culinary use as well as livestock fodder. The pH of the soil should preferably be around 6.5. Swedes are quite tolerant of acid soils but below a pH of 5.4 growth is increasingly restricted. At pH 7.0 and above boron becomes less available. Allow a minimum break of 4-5 years between all brassicas. To minimise the build up of pests and particularly diseases a rotation of 7-8 years between swede crops is desirable. Average yields of packed out swedes would be about 35 tonnes per ha. The weight of an individual swede is around a kilo.

kale A very adaptable crop providing useful forage. Can be ensiled as kaleage or zero and strip grazed. A fine, firm seedbed (like grass) and moisture is essential for rapid emergence as kale has small seeds. All brassicas will yield poorly where compaction has occurred. Placing some ? fertiliser at sowing may aide establishment. Ploughing and powered cultivation is the surest method of establishment but in well structured soils, direct drilling will also be successful. With direct drilling, it is essential to achieve a good weed kill with glyphosate pre-cultivation. Kale may be precision drilled at 3 kg/ha or direct drilled at 4 kg/ha or broadcast usually with the fertiliser at 5-6 kg/ha.

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

A popular forage crop with many livestock farmers due to its ease of production, the flexibility of its sowing date and its palatability at feeding time. It is capable of producing a large bulk of fodder in a short period. Fodder rape is an ideal pioneer crop in the reclamation of hill and ? marginal land. Rape is extremely useful as a feed fattening lambs and lactating ewes and very good performance can be achieved with good grazing conditions. It is also widely used to supplement cattle and cows but care is needed as there is a much greater risk of digestive disorders than with sheep. These problems can be prevented by taking the following precautions:

• Introduce the rape gradually. • Restrict intakes. • Always feed hay or silage as a roughage source. • Supplement with phosphorus and Iodine. • Ensure all diets are properly balanced.

Stubble Turnips ?

Economic and fast to grow, an excellent catch crop which can produce nutritious, highly palatable feed in just 12-14 weeks after sowing. The crop can be sown in spring for feeding in late summer or sown in July or August for feeding in October to February. They are not very winter hardy and losses will occur in frosty weather. Seeding rate depends on sowing conditions and method of sowing. Fine and firm seedbed required similar to grass reseeding. Broadcast at 8 kg/ha (3 kg/acre). Direct drill at 5 kg/ha (2 kg/acre).

Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2021

silage quality Making quality silage is vital to beef and dairy farming in Ireland. In making silage there are two primary quality parameters that need to be considered, preservation and feeding value. Preservation must always be good in silage making. Covering your silage clamp with a poor quality cover can lead to a serious reduction in the quality of your silage. Poorly preserved silage could lose up to 5% units of DMD. Each drop of ve DMD units reduces milk yield by almost 1.5 litres of milk per day, and raises the cost of finishing cattle by over €70.

Recommended products quality covers Hyplast silage cover • Proven quality for years. • High resistance to weathering.

• Performs well even at

extreme temperatures.

• Thicker and stronger than most standard covers on the market.

Hermetix heavy duty silage cover • High oxygen barrier

reduces silage surface spoilage by restricting oxygen permeation and the growth of moulds and improves aerobic stability.

• Fits into landscape with green layer. • Double black layers ensure better preservation and faster fermentation.

• Hermetic makes covering your silage pit quick, clean and easy with labour savings.

• High impact and tear resistant. • Available in 60 x 80, 60 x 100 or 60 x 120.

Glanbia Agribusiness Branches Using both the Underlayer film and Hermetix cover will minimise silage waste. It takes roughly 18 inches of settled silage to produce 6 inches of waste. In a typical 30 x 50 10 ft silage clamp and a cost of €25/t of silage, this can equate to 50t of silage waste or €1250.

Fodder Budget Calculation: A fodder budget should also be completed annually after harvesting, to ensure that there is enough fodder to feed stock for the housed period. Approximate guidelines to follow are:

• Allow 1.6 tonnes per cow/month. • Allow 0.7 tonnes per head/month for stock <1 year.

• Allow 1.3 tones per head/month for stock 1-2 years.

To calculate the amount of silage in the pit, Teagasc has broken down the calculations required as follows: 1. Measure the length, breath and height of the clamp. 2. Multiply the length x breath x height = total available volume for silage (m3). 3. Estimate the Dry Matter (DM) content of the silage. 4. Multiply the total volume be either 0.68, 0.77 or 0.81, depending on the correction required for DM, to find the total (tonne) amount of silage in the pit:

• • •

Underlayer silage film • This sits directly beneath silage cover. • Thinner and more flexible material allows it to “cling”

DM 25% = 0.68 DM 20% = 0.77 DM 18% = 0.81

5. Calculate how long this silage will last.

to surface to avoid air pockets.

• 25 micron.

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